Development and Communications Manager

Development and Communications Manager

Gaining Ground — Concord, MA
Salary Range: $75,000–$80,000
Full-time, Year Round | PTO + Health Care Stipend | Hybrid Schedule (2 days/week onsite)
Reports to: Executive Director
Start Date: Position open until filled

Help Grow Good Food and a Stronger Community

At Gaining Ground, we grow food — and we give it all away. Each season, our small but mighty team works alongside thousands of volunteers to grow over 130,000 pounds of organic produce for people experiencing food insecurity in Greater Boston, Lowell, and the MetroWest.

We’re seeking a motivated, creative, and mission-driven Development and Communications Manager to lead fundraising and storytelling efforts, deepening our community connection and expanding our capacity to nourish our neighbors.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to roll up their sleeves on a collaborative, hands-on team where your work will be seen, valued, and make a daily difference.

About the Role

The Development and Communications Manager is both a strategist and a doer. You’ll work closely with the Executive Director and board to raise more than $1M annually through individual giving, grants, and corporate partnerships — while shaping and sharing Gaining Ground’s story to foster meaningful engagement and fuel our mission.

This role is ideal for someone who pairs big-picture thinking with hands-on execution, thrives in a small team environment, and is passionate about food justice, sustainability, and community building.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Write grant proposals and reports; prospect for new opportunities
  
  
• Craft clear, compelling fundraising appeals
  
  
• Expand Gaining Ground’s donor base
  
  
• Oversee donor stewardship at all levels
  
  
• Lead corporate fundraising efforts
  
  
• Support the Executive Director in growing relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors
  
  
• Manage and improve our Bloomerang CRM and Constant Contact email system
  
  
• Provide guidance to the bookkeeper on donation entry and reporting
  
  
• Track and assess fundraising progress; identify opportunities for growth
  
  
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on growing major gifts and planned giving programs
  
  
• Stay informed about philanthropic best practices; strategize with leadership on revenue growth
  
  

Communications and Storytelling

• Develop and implement an annual editorial calendar
  
  
• Write and manage email newsletters, printed newsletters, and the annual Gratitude Report
  
  
• Coordinate with a freelance designer for publications and event visuals
  
  
• Build media relationships; pitch and place stories
  
  
• Keep the website current and compelling
  
  
• Support communication needs for organizational events
  
  

Organizational Support

• Manage occasional special events
  
  
• Pitch in as needed — we’re a small team and help each other out
  
  

What You Bring

• A passion for food security, food justice, and/or sustainable agriculture
  
  
• At least 5 years of development experience, including individual and institutional fundraising (ideally in a small nonprofit)
  
  
• Strong writing and communication skills
  
  
• Excellent attention to detail and project management abilities
  
  
• Knowledge of donor databases (Bloomerang a plus), email platforms (like Constant Contact), and website platforms (WordPress)
  
  
• Proficiency with tools like Google Drive, Canva, and basic video editing software
  
  
• A flexible, collaborative, self-directed work style
  
  
• A steady presence and a solutions-focused mindset — you see challenges as opportunities
  
  
• Commitment to learning, feedback, organizational, and personal excellence
  
  
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, meet deadlines, and follow through
  
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  
  
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed
  
  

 Benefits

• Time Off: 10 vacation days, 11 federal holidays, 5 sick days, plus the Wednesday before and Friday after Thanksgiving, and the week between Christmas and New Year
  
  
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for learning and development